Reading: Life on Mars

I. Read the text "Life on Mars". In the following text, there are five missing sentences. Choose from the sentences (A-E) the one which fits best each gap (1-5).

Life on Mars

       A new study published in the journal Science shows definitive evidence of organic matter on the surface of Mars. The data was collected by NASA's nuclear-powered rover Curiosity. It confirms earlier findings that the Red Planet once contained carbon-based compounds. These compounds – also called organic molecules – are essential ingredients for life as scientists understand it.

The organic molecules were found in Mars's Gale Crater, a large area that may have been a watery lake over three billion years ago.           1. _________________________ The rocks also contain sulfur, which scientists speculate helped preserve the organics even when the rocks were exposed to the harsh radiation on the surface of the planet.

 

Scientists are quick to state that the presence of these organic molecules is not sufficient evidence for ancient life on Mars, as the molecules could have been formed by non-living processes.                      2. __________________________ Especially when one considers the other startling find that Curiosity uncovered around five years ago.

 

The rover analyses the air around it periodically, and in 2014 it found the air contained another of the most basic organic molecules and a key ingredient of natural gas: methane. 3. _________________________  This means that something, somewhere on Mars, is replenishing the supply. According to NASA, Mars emits thousands of tons of methane at a time. The level of methane rises and falls at seasonal intervals in the year, almost as if the planet is breathing it.

 

4. __________________________ The variations in temperature on the surface of Mars cause the molecule to flow upwards at higher or lower levels. For example, in the Martian winter the gas could get trapped in underground icy crystals. These crystals, called clathrates, melt in the summer and release the gas. However, the source of the methane is still a complete mystery.

 

The world of astrobiology considers both of these studies as historical milestones. According to this information, Mars is not a dead planet. On the contrary, it is quite active and may be changing and becoming more habitable.

 

Of course, this means further research is necessary. Scientists say they need to send new equipment to Mars, equipment that can measure the air and soil with more precision. There are already missions underway. 5. _____________________________ Additionally, NASA is sending another Mars Rover in the same year to collect samples of Martian soil and return them to Earth.

 

The possibility of life on Mars has fascinated humans for generations. It has been the subject of endless science-fiction novels and films. Are we alone in the universe or have there been other life forms within our Solar System? If the current missions to the Red Planet continue, it looks as if we may discover the answer very soon. 

A	The rover encountered traces of the molecule in rocks extracted from the area.
B	The European Space Agency's ExoMars ship lands in 2020 and will be able to drill into the ground on Mars to analyse what it finds.
C	One of the characteristics of methane is that it only survives a few hundred years.
D	NASA suspects the methane comes from deep under the surface of the planet.
E	But it's still one of the most astonishing discoveries, which could lead to future revelations.

II. Answer the following questions about the content of the text

1. What is the Curiosity?
2. What are the results of the last study on Mars?
3. What helped the rocks to preserve the organics even after exposure to radiation?
4. How does the author explain the release of gases on Mars?
5. Do scientists know the exact source of methane?
6. What measures do scientists take to thoroughly explore Mars?

III. There is a lot of debates on the topic of space exploration and space tourism, whether it is worth it or not? Write an essay and give your own opinion on this issue. Write 200-250 words.

You may use the following plan:

– make an introduction (state the problem);
– mention at least 2 ideas in favour of the topic (justify them or give examples);
– mention at least 2 ideas against the topic (justify them or give examples);
– give your own opinion;
– make a conclusion (summarise the main ideas).